On March 10, 2019, Tibetans and supporters staging a protest in front of the Chinese consulate as they commemorate the 1959 national uprising day against China's military occupation of Tibet. Photo: TPI/Yeshe Choesang

President of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the public on the 60th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day, in Dharamshala, India, on March 10, 2019. Photo: CTA

Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Former Botswana President addressing the official commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day in Dharamshala, 10 March 2019. Photo: CTA/Tenzin Jigme

Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam who started the DIFF speaking at Upper TCV School in Dharamshala, India. The festival ended with the closing night screening of Aijaz Khan's 'Hamid' at the Hermann Gmeiner Auditorium. photo: TPI

President Dr Lobsang Sangay with the Thank You India Souvenir – A Dharmachakra representing the wheel of Universal Truth, at the press conference at Press Club of India on January 18, 2018. Photo: CTA/DIIR/Tenzin Phende

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Dr Lobsang Sangay President of the Central Tibetan Administration making the official announcement of the long-life prayer offering, during a press conference at Kashag Secretariat, Dharamshala, India, March 18, 2019. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

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Dharamshala — The Minister of Religion and Culture, Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, led a press conference at the Lhakpa Tsering Memorial Hall to explain some security and administrative measures for the 34th Kalachakra.

At the press conference, Yuthok sat between the Minister of Security, Phagpa Tsering, and the Minister of Health, Choekyong Wangchuk.

Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, who is also Chairman of the organising committee, explained some of the organising committee's preparations to make sure the event is successful and convenient for the devotees.

In order to ease the public's anxiety amidst the global violence and terrorist attacks of our day and age, especially because of the terrorist attack at Bodh Gaya in 2013, the minister told the media present that the organising committee is paying particular attention to the issues of security.

"The state and district officials have been very cooperative and has promised to render whatever assistance that is not feasible from the part of the organising committee. And we are deeply thankful for that," he explained.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama is always concerned about the welfare and health conditions of the devotees that come to attend his talks and teachings. He constantly enquires whether the devotees are taken care of properly or not. Therefore, we are placing extra importance to the security, welfare and the facilities to make the Kalachakra effortless and hassle-free for the public," he said.

He also explained the few initiatives taken by the Central Tibetan Administration to make the Kalachakra more accessible to people, regardless of an individual's financial situation.

"Whenever there is a Kalachakra, there are always people who sincerely wish to attend the teachings, yet aren't able to, because of financial limitations. This time, we have tried to reduce this difficulty," he said.

"Moreover, we have also advised our officials and field staff to attend to all the grievances of the devotees. We have explained that earnestly serving the public would be akin to providing a great service to His Holiness, to the Buddhist doctrine as well as to the Tibetan people," he said.

"For instance, the department of education will sponsor destitute Tibetan children to attend the teachings. Similarly, the Department of Home would sponsor destitute Tibetan individuals and families, and the department of religion would do the same to Tibetan hermits and yogis," he further added.

The 34th Kalachakra initiation being organised by the Central Tibetan Administration will be held at Bodh Gaya, known as one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Bihar State in India, from 3 – 14 January 2017.